Many people flying to the Alps from the UK do not realise there is another option besides Grenoble and Geneva airports. Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport is modern and efficient and does not normally suffer from congested roads between it and the resorts, meaning that resorts which geographically closer to other airports, are reached most easily and quickly from Lyon Saint-Expéry. So, which are the closest ski resorts to Lyon airport? Read on to find out!
Lyon is the closest airport to several major French resorts as well as smaller, less well known ski centres that make great weekend destinations if you are looking to get away from the crowds. Several airlines serve Lyon Saint Exupéry with regular scheduled flights so you are not limited to crowded weekend charters, including British Airways, FlyBE, Aer Lingus, Air France and EasyJet.
On arrival at Lyon Airport, you’ll find fast and efficient arrival procedures and the option of ‘winterized’ rental cars available from major international companies, taxis or direct shuttle bus services to the slopes. In addition, the airport’s welcome zone provides passengers with tourist information about the area, and an opportunity to buy tickets for public transport.
On your return journey through Lyon Airport, you will be helped by members of staff who are on-hand to look after the needs of skiers, including simplifying the checking-in and picking up of skis, which can be done alongside that of normal baggage. You will find a wide selection of shops, cafes and restaurants in the pleasant, modern surroundings of the terminals. If you wish to stay overnight there are four hotels at the airport, including an affordable Ibis.
Which are the closest ski resorts to Lyon airport?
Alpe d’Huez (150km from Lyon)
One of the world’s leading ski areas and one of the biggest in the southern French Alps, boasts one of the top 10 biggest lift-served verticals on the planet. This resort has skiing for all standards, including the world’s longest black run and glacier skiing on its upper slopes for snow-sure conditions (alpedhuez.com).
Les 2 Alpes (160km from Lyon)
Another world class resort with around 60 lifts, Alpe d’Huez plays host to an underground funicular, serving 220km of terrain including one of three French summer glacier skiing areas which it claims to be the world’s largest. With another of the world’s biggest lift-served vertical drops, and accommodation enough for over 35,000 guests per night, Les 2 Alpes may safely be regarded as one of the guest success stories of the global ski industry (les2alpes.com).
Val Thorens (183km from Lyon – less than 2 hours by car)
Val Thorens is undoubtedly one of the most popular ski resorts in France, and the highest village (2300 m) in Europe. A fun, cosmopolitan atmosphere, as well as many pubs can be found here, meaning all can have a good time in the heart of slopes. 1430 m of difference in level and at least 600 km of terrain, Val Thorens is linked by ski to the valleys of Méribel and Courchevel.
Val d’Isère (220km from Lyon)
Val d’Isère, located at the end of the Tarentaise Valley, is often seen as one of the best ski resorts – linked to Tignes and forming the Val d’Isere / Tignes Ski area of 300km of terrain. Having previously hosted Olympic and World Championship ski events, Val d’Isère boasts legendary slopes and year-round snow in a beautiful location. The resort is family friendly and has a range of accommodation and après ski activities to suit all groups (valdisere.com).
Valloire and Valmeinier (190km from Lyon)
These resorts are the best known of the Maurienne Valley resorts. Valloire offers some of the most extensive slopes in the Alps, stretching across to the neighbouring twin stations of Valmeinier 1500 and 1800. At the foot of the Galibier Pass in the northern Alps, the area is snuggled in a hollow only 17km from the N6 motorway (www.valloire.net).
Les Aillons (150km from Lyon)
Les Aillons is the largest resort in the Bauges district of Savoie, where all 14 towns and villages are officially recognised as holiday resorts. It was established as a ski centre in 1965 and currently sleeps 3620. Les Aillons are in the heart of the Massif of Les Bauges Natural Park (lesaillons.com).
SuperDévoluy (184km from Lyon)
A high-rise purpose-built centre linked to La Joue du Loup. The so-called “station village”, small, quiet and with direct snow access from all lodging, is perfect for families. Located at the gateway to the Hautes-Alpes, there is a nursery, snow gardens, fun activities and entertainments for all ages. Terraced between 1500 and 2500 meters, the ski area Dévoluy offers 100 km of slopes of varying difficulty to satisfy all ski fanatics, from beginners to experienced skiers. (ledevoluy.com).
Saint Jean d’Arves (190km from Lyon)
Made up of 22 small hamlets in the Sybelles region, Saint Jean d’Arves offers year-round relaxation in a genuinely natural environment, steeped in history and tradition. This is a family free ski centre reached by a direct highway from St Jean de Maurienne (22km/14miles away) (saintjeandarves.com).
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